Ben Laflin Retirement Recognized with Vector District 80th Anniversary Event
How long has the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District been around? Well, when they were first formed, they only had fly swatters.
We're kidding, of course. But 80 years is a long time, and the CVMVCD will be marking the occasion with an Open House on Friday, April 25, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
And speaking of longevity, the District will also be celebrating the retirement of long-time member of the Board of Trustees, Ben Laflin, who has been on the Board for more than half of its life. Ben was first appointed in 1951, and by then, they had a LOT more than fly swatters to combat the various critters the CVMCD is charged with controlling. Thus, Ben Laflin's scientific background (master's degree in plant pathology) was very valuable in his role on the Board.
From DDT spraying to modern vector control techniques, it's an interesting battle constantly evolving between the "vectors" and the rest of us. As many insects, nuisance and vectors, pose serious health threats, the technology to deal with these threats, such as fire ants, West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, hantavirus, etc., have also advanced. Remember: we're vastly outnumbered.
Tours and exhibits are also part of the open house. District headquarters are at 43-420 Trader Place (off of North Monroe) in Indio. For directions, click here: Map.
Who knows, you might even get a free fly swatter out of the deal.